My fence was covered in green algae, but a brilliant product got rid of it – just apply and the rain washes it away
GREEN algae not only makes your fence look dirty, but it can also damage the wood over time.
Gemma Down took to the Facebook group, Gardening UK – Hints, tips & advice to ask for help regarding her fence.
Green algae is on the rise amongst British gardens and fences[/caption] This solution is said to be the best for removing algae off fences[/caption]She said: “Hello, unfortunately, our fence panels have green algae.
“I will try and treat in the spring, but if I’m not successful, can I just pain the fence panels with fence paint…
“Or will this cause any issues? I’d appreciate your advice please, thank you.
Gardeners raced to the comments section to share their tips and what products they found worked for getting rid of green algae from fences.
Wet & Forget – £21.89
Sabrina Connolly said: “I would absolutely recommend wet and forget. Just apply it and ‘forget’ about it as the name implies. Brilliant stuff!
“We use it on our slabs and decking every year. The rain washes the green away.”
Ian Price seconded this: “When it’s warmer and dry use a product called Wet & Forget and then 10 days later (as long as it’s dry) you can paint or stain to your hearts content.
“If you paint when the timber is wet and or covered in algae, the paint will not adhere and will fail.
“Timber needs to be dry for any paint to work properly.
“Avoid power hosing as it opens and raises the grain and forces water deeper into the timber making it more porous in the future, and compounds the problem.
“Bleach or other household chemical concoctions are never advised for this purpose as it’s not designed, tested or approved for use and can do a lot of damage to the timber and the soil as it washes off.”
White vinegar – 79p, B&M
Kaye Gilby added: “My house is weather-boarded boarded and the back wall north facing was covered on Algae.
“I used white vinegar with a spray bottle and it worked , just spray and leave.”
Patio Magic – £12.75, B&Q
Angela Knight said: “I use patio magic on mine and it works a treat. Spray it then over three to five days it just disappears.
“Also it’s good around pets as it’s completely safe when it’s dry.
“Personally I wouldn’t use bleach as it will also bleach the wood.
“And be mindful that once you start painting you have to repaint every two to three years or it will look horrible and you’ll still get the algae coming back in your painted surfaces.”
What does an expert suggest?
ABS Fencing shared a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to cleaning green algae off your fence.
- Don’t use household mould or mildew remover sprays as these are generally intended for use on hard surfaces indoor.
- Don’t use bleach in the garden, it kills a lot more than the mould.
- Don’t try sanding back the top surface of the wood, as algae will just regrow back.
- Don’t bother with power hosing – that only opens up the timber grain and allows more water inside, making the problem worse down the line.
- Do use white vinegar mixed with hot water in a spray bottle and work it in with a brush, leave for 30 mins or more, then hose down.
- Do repaint when dry with good quality fence paint.